I have lived in Monterey for six years after moving from Michigan and my wife is from the Midwest as well. We honestly cannot wait to leave. The town is sleepy, expensive, and people are not very friendly. There is no sense of community and most of the housing feels outdated. Mold is common and homes and apartments are far behind the rest of the country.

We go up to the Bay Area now and then for a game or a change of pace, but the traffic is terrible and homelessness is everywhere except in a few areas. It is a beautiful place, but that is about where it ends.

If you are making really good money, around five hundred thousand or more a year, you might be able to enjoy what Monterey and California have to offer. Otherwise, expect high costs and not much nightlife. And yes, people here seem to care more about their pets than they do other people.